Difference between Chair and Stool

Key difference: A chair is essentially any piece of furniture with a raised surface that can be used to individually sit on. Chairs usually have a backrest, and four legs. A stool differs from a chair in many ways; firstly it does not have a back or an armrest. It is also usually shorter in height than a traditional chair.

Chair

Chair and Stool are two different types of furniture. Their main function is to be used for sitting; however they do differ in their style and make. According to Dictionary.com, a chair is “a seat, especially for one person, usually having four legs for support and a rest for the back and often having rests for the arms.” Whereas a stool is defined as “a single seat on legs or a pedestal and without arms or a back” or “a short, low support on which to stand, step, kneel, or rest the feet while sitting.”

A chair is essentially any piece of furniture with a raised surface that can be used to individually sit on. Chairs usually have a backrest, and four legs. They often have an armrest; however, this is not necessary. Today, there are a number of designer chairs that aim to deviate from their traditional designs.

Stool A chair without a backrest and armrest is considered a stool. A stool differs from a chair in many ways; firstly it does not have a back or an armrest. It is also usually shorter in height than a traditional chair. However, a barstool is actually higher than a chair. Furthermore, a stool can have either three or four legs, whereas a chair usually has four legs. Still again this may differ with the modern designer chairs and stool. In fact, these day, some chairs are designed with three legs, while a stool may have only one leg and/or a back and armrest.

Still, the most common function of a stool has not changed. It is still used commonly for sitting. It may also be a stepping stool, which is used to get at things that are out of reach. A low stool may also be used to rest the feet while sitting. In some cultures, stools were in fact used as a throne for the monarchs.

Comparison between Chair and Stool:

	Chair	Stool
Definition	A chair is a piece of furniture with a raised surface used to sit on, commonly for use by one person.	Consists of a single seat, without back or armrests, on a base of either three or four legs.
Back	Has a backrest.	Does not have a backrest.
Arms	May have an armrest.	Never has an armrest.
Legs	Commonly has 4 legs.	Often has three or four legs.
Height	Has more height than stools.	Are often of lower heights than chairs, but some such as bar stools have more height than a chair.
Purposes	To sit on.	To sit on. To step on, in order to reach something higher.
Made From	Wood, plastic, metal, etc.	Wood, plastic, metal, etc.
Examples	An arm chair, dining chair, reclining chair, etc.	Step stool, Bar stool, etc.